The Red Sox were 7-1 in early July. Let's see if they can keep it going against the Cubs on Friday. Young right-hander Bello has had an outstanding May and June, throwing for distance (7 innings on average L5 starts) and allowing 2 or less in 5 straight games. No surprise, he is even better away from Fenway. He'll face Cubs righty Hendricks, who has had a 3.86 ERA in the 9 starts since returning from the IL. He gave up 10 hits against the Yankees in his last start, but held the opposition to just 10 runs in the previous 6 starts. Both pens will be well rested and are pretty evenly matched for the season. The Sox have the edge in offense at the moment, are 3rd in OPS L15 games, with a very healthy 6.0/3.9 runs for/against. The Cubs will be missing Swanson, and are hitting just .237/.667 in their last 15 games. The Sox have some hot bats this season but no Cub has stepped up.

Bello has been my go-to starter lately. Nothing wrong with Kendricks, but the Sox have a real edge on offense and hit right handed pitching well. Take Boston to win on the road.